SF, Stagecoach, NV
Dear Brothers, Sisters, Prodigals and Unsaved
Remember the story
of the Prodigal? He came home, because
he remembered how good he had it before he left. [Luke
15:11-32] I'm going to list some versus to remind all of us what was really important.
Versus 13-16 - 13
"And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together,
journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.
14 "But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in
that land, and he began to be in want. 15 "Then he went and joined
himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed
swine. 16 "And he would gladly have filled his
stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him [anything].
All hope for a
better life than we've had, we take what we've saved and leave home to seek our
fortune and place in life.
Unfortunately, it doesn't always work out as we planned. Our finances don't always meet our needs,
especially if we get involved with a wrong crowd. Some are tempted with wild parties, drinking with our
friends or getting involved with the drugs on campus or work [wherever]. There's still rent and food to buy, let alone
utilities, etc. But when we're out of
everything, most have a home to go back to that is better than what we're suffering through.
Even if your home
life isn't available anymore, Abba [Father] will always take you in and He's
very rich - NEVER doubt that.
Versus 17-19 17
"But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's
hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 'I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him,
"Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 "and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like
one of your hired servants."
That may be what
the wild son deserved but neither his Heavenly Father or his earthly father
desire it for him.
I know here's a
word not many want to say or face, but this kid "humbled" himself
asking his father to forgive him, for he sinned against his dad and Heaven, not
feeling worthy to even be his son. But
asked if he could be a hired servant?
If you remember, the father saw his son coming from a distance and raced
to his son; hugging, kissing him and rejoicing just to see him alive
again. Many parents do worry if their
children are still alive, when they leave home and they don't where they are.
Versus 22-24 22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring
out the best robe and put [it] on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals
on [his] feet. 23 'And bring the fatted calf here and kill
[it], and let us eat and be merry; 24 'for this my son was dead and
is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be
merry.
I know not all
parents are rich [at least mine weren't] but when I needed some help, my mom
and dad were there. Yours would be
too. They may not throw a party, but all
the relatives will know your home and safe.
And like his brother, you may have some family member upset and unforgiving for
what you may have put your parents through.
[We'll discuss the outcome below.]
Versus 25-30 25
"Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to
the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 "So he called one of the
servants and asked what these things meant. 27 "And he said to him, 'Your
brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father
has killed the fatted calf.' 28 "But he was angry and would not go
in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 29
"So he answered and said to [his] father, 'Lo, these many years I have
been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet
you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 'But
as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with
harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.'
I had an older
sister like this brother. She was always
mean to me. It took 50 years for her to
accept me as her sister. I use to ask my
grandmother why she was so mean...grandma just said, she knows she'll never be
as good as you. Ha - she was an "A" student, smarter than me, had a
great figure, lots of dates, got out of housework early, because we were only
18 months apart in age. Thankfully, on
her 50th birthday she repented and asked for forgiveness, which made peace in the family. She even came to Nevada
This brother, was
he jealous because he stayed home? His
father divided all his money between the two brothers. One blew it and the other was an obedient
son. Now the older brother owned it all,
just worked but never enjoyed his inheritance.
Versus 31-32 "And he said to him, 'Son, you are
always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 'It was right that we
should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive
again, and was lost and is found.' "
Parents can and
will forgive many things, but when you return they want the same thing Jesus
wants, to REJOICE. You can't expect to
live the way you did on your own. Even
the son; in this example was willing to accept much less, just to be home, have
a job and not eat pig food.
Jesus feels the
same way the father did here. He's
waiting and watching for you to come home.
Prodigals know their father in Heaven - they just need to reconnect
their fellowship with Him. He holds the
door open for you. He only wants you to
repent [change your ways] live a life that's pleasing to both Him and your
family.
We know this is
the season for the Prodigals to return and unsaved to come to the truth of a
Loving God who is waiting for you - with Arms Open to receive you.
Think carefully,
of where you are, and where you can be, by just opening your heart to Him, His
Word says;
[Romans
8:1-2 NKJV] 1 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to those who are in
Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the
Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free
from the law of sin and death.
He's not a
condemning God, but even the angels rejoice when a prodigal comes home or an
unsaved person accepts salvation. It's
party time in Heaven, with all your other relatives rejoicing, because their
prayers have been answered. You have a
new inheritance, since Jesus took on all your sin, when He died on the cross,
to set you free!
If you need
someone to talk to, email me above with your email and I'll help you return or
for the unsaved see Jesus in a different light.
As usual, I'll
close with this prayer:
Father, in Jesus'
Name I come before you praying that those who need Your Grace and Mercy, will
find You and realize how You've watched over them, knowing they were coming. Thank you that Your Love covers a multitude
of sins - and You remember their sin NO MORE!
Blessing to ALL,
Sandy F.
The Lord's Servant
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